Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What rescue equipment might be relevant to this standard?
Rescue equipment will include first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, harness, lifeline, prussik loop, karabiners, climbing spurs, flipline/polestrap, pulleys, and tube tape.

What safety equipment may be required?
Safety equipment may include pedestrian barriers, traffic barriers, warning signs, road signs, danger signs, flashing lights, traffic bollards, safety mesh, and witches hats.

What PPE may be required to undertake arboriculture operations?
Personal protective equipment may include steel cap boots, six point safety helmet, ear protection, eye protection, cut resistant trousers or chaps, reflective vest, close fitting work clothes, gloves and sunscreen lotion.

What emergency communication systems may be used to summon emergency services?
Emergency communication systems may include mobile phone, landline or two-way radio, which will need to be checked to assure they are in good working order, have adequate battery power, and are within range.

What may be included in an emergency plan?
An emergency plan may include emergency contact numbers for ambulance, medical centre police, fire brigade or electrical company, site location details such as grid reference, first aiders, and procedures.

How might casualty response be determined?
Casualty response may be determined by verbal/nonverbal communication and observation. For example, are they conscious, what is the extent of their injury, and can they assist in their rescue?

What hazards associated with rescue may need to be assessed?
Hazards may include electrical wires, energised trees and equipment, unstable branches or structures, insect swarm, climbing, fatigue, moving vehicles and equipment, heat and cold, manual handling, or the presence of blood and other bodily fluids.

What controls may be implemented to minimise the risk of OHS hazards?
Controls implemented must be in accordance with enterprise OHS policies and procedures and may include; securing of the site, appropriate use of PPE, appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; correct manual handling; basic first aid available on site; reporting problems to supervisors/emergency services, drinking liquids, and warm clothing.

What access equipment may be required to effect rescue?
Access equipment may include climbing spikes, ropes, climbing saddle, safety lines, aerial lifts, cherry picker, fire ladder, crane, or elevating work platform (EWP).

How may the casualty be prepared for descent?
Preparing the casualty for descent may include immobilising the head and neck, setting life lines, use of slings, harnesses and pulleys, releasing the flip line, and use of rescue stretcher.

What records may need to be completed in relation to aerial rescue operations?
Records may include Accident/Incident reports, Workcover forms, risk assessment details, PPE issue and replacement dates, equipment maintenance checklists, and safety audits.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in undertaking an aerial rescue requires evidence that a person can plan and co-ordinate rescue operations with due regard for safety and first aid requirements.The skills and knowledge required to undertake an aerial rescue must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different situations, types of accidents, and rescue equipment.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent
safety ropes and equipment
dealing with electrical emergencies
operational hazards of tree work
relevant industry codes of practice
principles of hazard and risk analysis
statutory requirements relating to OHS records (Incident Notification) required for rescue operations
selected Australian Standards.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with casualty, ground support, climbing team members, members of the public and emergency services
interpret emergency plans, work procedure documents and Workcover forms
co-ordinate work group, equipment and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete rescue operations safely
estimate height, length, distance, weight, load and angles
apply rigging and rope handling techniques in aerial rescue operations
apply tree climbing techniques necessary for aerial rescue operations
administer first aid to injured climbers.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Ideas and information will be communicated both in writing and verbally. Data will need to be recorded as part of the workers contribution towards hazard and risk analysis, and again to record details of the rescue operation. Some enterprises may request this in the form of a verbal report. Emergency procedures should be discussed and confirmed with others in the work team. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on emergency procedures and rescue technique should be collected, researched and documented as a plan, and discussed with other members of the work team in order to clarify roles. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Emergency activities carried out by ground crew and climbers, emergency plan and procedures, and rescue equipment should be arranged before commencing tree works. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Aerial rescue involves working closely with other members of a team to ensure the safety of all personnel and the public during the rescue operation. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques may be applied when calculating rope lengths and loads, heights, or to monitor casualty vital signs. (1)

Solving problems
Problems relating to casualty or rescuer safety, access equipment, hazards, first aid application, team members and difficult or remote locations may require problem-solving. (3)

Using technology
Technology may be applied in the use and maintenance of rescue equipment including communication systems, the Internet may be used for research into legislation and rescue techniques, data relating to accident/incident and a database or spreadsheet may be used to record information about the rescue operation. (2)